Our first video for the New Year is an awesome two-part epic featuring the Hell Drivers at the ’64-’65 New York World’s Fair.

The Hell Drivers thrill show had been around since the ‘30s, but founder Lucky Teter didn’t catch up with his nickname in 1942 when he was killed during a stunt. The troupe and the equipment were purchased by Jack Kochman, who operated it until 1989. Kochman died in 2004 at 97 years old.

In the ‘60s, the Hell Drivers were sponsored by Dodge and appeared in many advertisements. The film seen here is presented by Dodge, and you’ll hear the announcer swearing that the vehicles used are in pure stock condition, but that they’re just plain Dodge tough. In later interviews with those involved, we’ve read that the cars were, in fact, virtually stock, but had welded rearends for two-wheel driving and upgraded shocks for nasty landings.

Two of the drivers seen in the film founded Thrill Show Productions, still active today.

Make sure to scroll down to see parts 1 and 2.

PART 1

PART 2